The Journey to Elf Haus: Scenic Stops Worth Savoring Along the Way

The drive to Elf Haus in Fairplay, Colorado, via Highway 285 is more than just a route -- it’s part of the experience. Whether you’re driving from Denver for a mountain getaway or heading home after your stay, this scenic stretch offers some of Colorado’s most beautiful views and quirky small-town stops.

We always encourage guests to take their time, stretch their legs, and enjoy a few of our favorite stops along the way. Here’s how we’d spend the day getting up to the Elf Haus.

Staunton State Park

Just 40 minutes from Denver, Staunton State Park is the perfect first stop to shake off city life. You’ll find miles of trails ranging from easy walks to longer hikes with incredible views, waterfalls, and wildflowers in the warmer months. Even a short stroll here sets the tone for the rest of your mountain adventure...peaceful, scenic, and rejuvenating.

The Sasquatch Outpost (Bailey)

As you continue up 285 and roll into Bailey, you’ll spot the Sasquatch Outpost: a delightfully quirky little museum and gift shop dedicated to Bigfoot lore. It’s hard not to smile as you browse the displays and souvenirs. Whether you’re a believer or just in it for the fun, it’s a lighthearted pit stop that perfectly captures Colorado’s playful spirit.

South Park Coney Island Boardwalk (Bailey)

A few minutes down the road, you’ll come across one of Colorado’s most iconic roadside attractions — the giant hot dog-shaped diner known as the South Park Coney Island. It looks like something straight out of South Park (it has been featured in a few episodes...), and yes, it’s every bit as fun and nostalgic as it sounds. Grab a bite, snap a photo, and enjoy a bit of roadside Americana before you continue your climb toward the mountains.

Kenosha Pass & The Colorado Trail

As you climb higher, you’ll reach Kenosha Pass — one of our favorite spots in all of Colorado. The views open up to rolling mountain meadows and distant peaks, and the light here has its own kind of magic. Park at the top of the pass and hop onto the Colorado Trail for a short walk (or a longer hike if time allows). In the fall, this area glows with golden aspens and is one of the best leaf-peeping spots in the state.

Fairplay Furniture Consignment

Just before you reach Fairplay, you’ll find Fairplay Furniture Consignment - a true treasure trove for anyone who loves to browse and discover something unexpected. Don’t let the name fool you — it’s so much more than furniture. The ever-changing inventory might include antique hats, mid-century modern kitchen tables, hand-carved bears, and other quirky finds. It’s the kind of place where you never know what you’ll stumble upon, which makes it such a fun stop.

You're Almost There...

From Fairplay, you’re just minutes away from the Elf Haus. By this point, you’ll have driven through Colorado’s forests, foothills, and open alpine meadows — and we hope you’ve taken time to enjoy every bit of it.

To us, the road is part of the story. The laughter, the small discoveries, the spontaneous stops... they all become part of your stay here. When you finally turn off the highway, wind up the gravel roads, and arrive at Elf Haus, it’s not just the destination that feels special, but the journey that brought you here.

Bonus Ideas (For Your Return Trip or an Alternate Route via I-70)

If you’re heading out a different way or want to explore more mountain towns, here are a few other favorites we love to recommend:

• South Park City Museum (Fairplay) – Open during the warmer months (check their website for current hours), this open-air museum is one of Colorado’s most unique experiences. You can walk through over 40 authentic 1800s buildings — a full re-creation of a mining town that gives you a true feel for what life was like in the area’s early days. It’s immersive, fascinating, and absolutely worth the stop.

• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (Morrison) – A must-see even if there’s no concert. The views and trails are spectacular.

• Coors Brewery Tour (Golden) – Learn a bit of Colorado’s brewing history with a cold one at the end.

• Georgetown & The Georgetown Loop Railroad – A relaxing and scenic train ride through the mountains — historic, fun, and great for all ages.

• Breckenridge – Wander Main Street, grab an ice cream, or do some boutique shopping before heading back toward the city or on your way to Elf Haus.

• Mount Blue Sky Scenic Drive – If the road is open, it’s one of the most beautiful alpine drives in the state.